by our College Data Analytics Team
[Fire Science](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/fire-protection/fire-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for fire science students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the fire science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Bates Technical College the best value for a degree in fire science in Washington. Set in the city of Tacoma, Bates Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,027, with out-of-state students paying around $12,165. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,051.
Students looking for strong value in fire science will find it at Skagit Valley College, which ranked #2. Skagit Valley College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Mount Vernon. In-state tuition and fees average $5,400, compared with $7,410 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fire science graduates is $14,056. Soon after graduation, fire science degree recipients from Skagit Valley College generally make around $44,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Spokane Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fire science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Spokane, Spokane Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete the fire science program here. Early-career fire science graduates make about $39,679. That is a strong return on a $16,486 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in fire science will find it at Everett Community College, which ranked #4. Everett Community College is a large public school located in the city of Everett. Students from in state pay about $5,032 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,171. Students borrow a median of $13,542 to complete the fire science program here. Soon after graduation, fire science degree recipients from Everett Community College generally make around $47,441. Set against $13,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.